Can I Get a Driver's License Without Attending a Driving School?
3 Answers
Can I get a driver's license without attending a driving school? Here are the specific reasons: 1. Self-study: Self-study and self-examination are alternatives to training and examination at a driving school. Candidates learn driving skills on their own or with the help of others, then take and pass the unified examination to obtain a driver's license, which is a time-saving and effort-saving method. 2. Driving school: A driving school is a training institution that teaches vehicle driving methods and driving ethics, and assists students in passing the examinations administered by the vehicle management department to obtain a driver's license. The teaching content generally includes theoretical and practical courses. Theoretical courses include driving ethics, road traffic management regulations, driving principles and methods, automobile structure and maintenance basics, first aid knowledge, etc.
I've been driving since I was young, and decades of experience have taught me that you can get a driver's license without attending driving school, but you must comply with local regulations. In China, some regions allow self-study and direct testing, but specific conditions must be met, such as finding a qualified accompanying instructor, using a training vehicle, and registering for the test. Saving money is an advantage, but self-study carries risks. Without dual brakes in the vehicle and the absence of professional guidance, beginners are prone to developing bad habits and have a higher accident rate. I recommend first checking official policies online, then preparing study materials like traffic rule apps and practice areas; when practicing, have family members supervise and avoid reckless practice on public roads. In short, it's feasible but requires following procedures diligently—don’t rush and overlook safety. It’s best to combine it with professional training from a driving school for peace of mind.
As a young person who just got my driver's license, I'm also curious about this question. Online searches show that theoretically, you can self-study for the driver's license test, such as skipping driving school and registering directly for the exam; it saves money and offers freedom, especially now with free apps and videos for learning the theory. However, the practical part is too difficult. Finding a car to practice with must comply with regulations, and you also need to handle vehicle insurance and safety controls. Without a coach's immediate corrections, it's easy to have accidents during turns or reversing. I heard from friends that the failure rate for self-learners exceeds 50%, mostly due to minor mistakes. So my experience is that self-study is feasible, but don't overestimate yourself—master the basic skills first before considering formal learning.
